Liz Taylor mourns dog while health fails

Sad news for pet lovers and movie fans alike. Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor is reportedly on the brink of death after her heart began to fail. At the same time, she's mourning the loss of her beloved terrier, Sugar.

Liz, who is 74, reportedly cancelled her annual Easter party to plan her funeral. "Liz is inching closer to death every day and she knows it," a friend said. (We hope this article is just typical gossip rag hyperbole--after all, we're all inching closer to death every day, aren't we?)

Adding to the list of health problems from which Liz suffers is the loss of Sugar. Liz said of Sugar, "I've never loved a dog like this in my life. It's amazing. Sometimes I think there's a person in there."

We send our prayers and wishes to Liz!

You can read more on News.com.au.

Lassie launching her new own natural dog food

If celebs can get fragrances named after them, why shouldn't pet celebs launch their own products? Lassie is launching her own natural dog food, biscuit and treat line, Lassie Natural Way. The brand new line is made from all-natural wholesome ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition.

The overzealous PR folks who work for Lassie say that she will "em-bark" on a five month national tour to promote pet health and the benefits of a natural diet. While we support Lassie, we'd ask that her press releases avoid cutesy words like that. We feel Lassie deserves far more respect!

So, what makes Lassie's food special? "Unlike most nationally advertised brands, there are NO animal by-products (bones, brains, spinal tissue, intestines, or other animal organs) and NO artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners are added." (Brains? Spinal Tissue? Really? Ick!)

Read more at Yahoo news. For a complete tour schedule, Lassie fans can log onto http://www.lassie.tv.

Does your dog have Old Navy magic? Let Katherine Heigl, Alfre Woodard, Malcolm David Kelley, Kristin Chenoweth , and Betty White decide!

Old Navy has a nationwide search for a new "spokesdog" underway, and perhaps your pet has what it takes to star in their ads. The new dog will succeed Magic, a canine mascot who appeared in its advertisements in the late nineties. The new Magic will star in an Old Navy ad campaign and, like the original, become part of the brand's history.

From April 24 through May 29, 2006, dog owners throughout the U.S. and Canada can enter their pets for a chance at stardom. Customers can enter by submitting their dog's photo and personality profile at www.oldnavy.com/magic or by attending one of four casting call events held throughout the month of May:

• Los Angeles -- Friday, May 5 -- Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade
• San Francisco -- Saturday, May 13 -- the Marina Green
• Chicago -- Saturday, May 20 -- North Avenue Beach
• New York City -- Thursday, May 25 -- Union Square

Old Navy will make a series of financial donations to local animal charities in each city on the Canine Casting Call tour, to help animals in those communities.

If your dog makes the final cut, you'll be rubbing elbows with genuine celebrities! Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy"), Alfre Woodard ("Desperate Housewives"), Malcolm David Kelley ("Lost"), Kristin Chenoweth ("RV" and "The West Wing"), and Betty White are the Old Navy judges.

Click here to learn more on Yahoo news or visit www.oldnavy.com/magic to enter. You can also visit CelebrityNation for some images of Jessica Biel looking fab along with her pooch.

Joe Perry loves the Animal Planet

Rock on! Joe Perry of Aerosmith is a fan of Animal Planet! Makes sense; just think of all their lyrics:

• "Without your love, a dog without a bone" from Angel
• "Workin’ like a dog for the boss man" from Love in an Elevator (which makes me have to ask--how hard does a dog really work? Mine sure doesn't!)
• "Her dog day’s just begun" from Janie’s Got a Gun
• "Singin’ hey diddle-diddle with the kitty in the middle" from Walk this Way
• And, of course, the entire song "Walkin' the Dog."

So, how do we know Joe is a fan of Animal Planet? Because Maureen Smith, executive vice president and general manager of the network says so.

Ms. Smith gives an interview to CNN on the 10th anniversary of the Animal Planet. (Only ten years? Seems like it's been around forever!) If you click to CNN you'll find out who scoops poop on the shows, what happens when Mary Chapin Carpenter's horse farts on air, and what Dave Salmoni is up to next.

Kevin Bacon stars in short film by 9-year-old director

You won't find Saving Angelo at your metroplex--yet--but this is a cool story that combines some of my favorite things: A heroic young boy, a dog rescue, selflessness, a humble Hollywood star, and an underdog.

At the center of the story is 9-year-old Dominic Scott Kay. He appeared in the Kevin Bacon film Loverboy and convinced Kevin to star in a short film about Dom's real-life experience saving an injured dog.

Saving Angelo is the heartwarming story of a boy who discovers an abandoned dog left for dead on the side of the road who he ultimately brings back to life. The boy's selfless acts continue as he secures a home for the dog in the local firehouse.

Says Kevin, "I feel like I've done so many things in my career... so it's a rare opportunity to be directed by a nine-year-old."

Dom hopes to expand the story into a feature-length film some day, and I certainly don't doubt this kid can make it happen.

Read more on malibutimes.com or on BlogYouth.com.

Pooh gets his star on the Walk of Fame

Does Winnie the Pooh qualify as a "pet" for the purposes of our Celeb Pet blog? We think so, and we hope you agree! (We checked with Christopher Robin, and he gave us the green light.)

You have to admit, Winnie is looking darn fine for 80 years old! Yes, Winnie the Pooh has turned 80 and he partied in Hollywood with his own star on the Walk of Fame.

Mr. Pooh joins the best of company--the only other animated characters with Hollywood stars are Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Kermit the Frog. (We respected Kermit until he sold out by doing car ads. You don't see big stars Catherine Zeta-Jones or U2 doing TV ads do you? Uh, wait, never mind...)

Read more on fortwayne.com, or check out these fab photos of everyone's favorite Honey Bear getting the star treatment.

Vote for the film that has done the most for animals

Animal Planet and the Humane Society of the United States want to know which film you think had the greatest impact on animals. You can vote online as part of the 20th Anniversary Genesis Awards, which airs on Animal Planet on May 6.

Visit Discovery.com to vote for your favorite Genesis Award-winning film. Your choices include:

• Babe
• Chicken Run
• Finding Nemo
• Free Willy
• Legally Blonde 2

Visit Discovery.com for more information.

Steve Valentine, Kathy Griffin, and Andrea Bowen show their pet style

Last week LA fashion went to the dogs when Animal Fair magazine held its seventh annual "Paws for Style" celebrity pet fashion show.

Celebs in attendance included Steve Valentine ("Crossing Jordan") with his tiny puggle puppy and Kathy Griffin with her two big tan Labs. Britt Ekland won the best-trained dog award, with tiny pooch Tequila quietly walking by her side, sans leash. Andrea Bowen and others showed their style by wearing fashions from Joseph Abboud, Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana.

Benefits from the event went to Animal Medical Center of New York, a nonprofit veterinary hospital.

Read more on DailyNews.com.

Pink sees red over KFC

Pink is adding her voice to others who want Kentucky Fried Chicken to change its ways. The singer posted a petition drive called Kick the Bucket on her Web site to encourage fans to urge the fast-food chain to improve quality of life for birds raised and killed for KFC's food supply. Pink follows in the footsteps of the Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell Williams, Chrissie Hynde and Paul McCartney, all of whom have contributed to PETA's Kentucky Fried Cruelty campaign either by writing letters or starring in anti-KFC ads and billboards.

This isn't the first time Pink has spoken up for animals. Pink wrote to Vogue asking the magazine to stop promoting fur in its pages, to Prince William asking him to stop hunting, and to Siegfried & Roy asking them to allow their elephant to retire to a sanctuary.

Pinks says she takes her inspiration from close to home: "I understand there's so much going on in the world, where do you start? For me, it's doggies and cats."

Pink is also working on programs to spay and neuter stray dogs. "It breaks my heart," she said. "I want to take them all home, but I can't. I'd have 350,000 dogs if I did."

Read more about Pink and her KFC campaign on MTV.com. Or, better yet, Kick the Bucket with Pink!

Kate Beckinsale recovers lost cat

Why would any sane being--human or beast--run away from the ever-lovely Kate Beckinsale?

Kate's kitty, Wabbit, was MIA and the actress enlisted her neighbors to find her missing pet. Wabbit was eventually found on a neighbor's roof (but I suspect Sky.com was taking some creative license when they claim Wabbit was "dangerously close" to power lines.)

All's well that end's well: Wabbit was returned to Kate no worse for the wear.

Read more on Sky.com.

Isabella Rossellini's love of pets lead to commitment to wildlife

Isabella Rossellini's beauty is legendary, but it is her love of and commitment to animals that earned her the title of "champion" of the environment.

Isabella received the honor from the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, and it came with a $100,000 grant that she'll donate to two of her favorite wildlife charities: The Howard Gilman Foundation, which runs the White Oak Plantation nature preserve in Yulee, north of Jacksonville; and the Wildlife Conservation Network, which is trying to save the Andean mountain cat.

How did she come to love wildlife so much? Well, it all started with cats and dogs: "You have cats and dogs, and you start to wonder how the cats and dogs in the wild, tigers and wolves, were doing. You see your dog do something that seems instinctual, and you wonder where it comes from. Simple questions like that made me realize that we can't take animals for granted in the wild, anymore. We have to protect them."

Beware you pet lovers: one day you'll be petting a domestic cat and the next day you'll be working to save the Andean mountain cat! (If only securing commitment to animal charities were so easy!)

Read more about Isabella's love of animals (especially the elephant) on OrlandoSentinel.com.

Nicole Ritchie going wild

Apparently Nicole Ritchie was tired of hearing about former friend Paris's menagerie of wild animals. Nicole is said to be anticipating the arrival of a new pet - an exotic Bengal cat.

According to Life Style Extra, Nicole will be picking up her new wild pet within days, and she couldn't be more excited: "They are beautiful. They have long tails and are spotty. I'd have a houseful if I could."

Hollywood gossip has a way of making celebs seems a bit shallow--okay, a lot shallow--so even though the article makes it sound as if Nicole thinks a Bengal is no different than a domestic cat, we trust she knows the difference.

She has a name in mind, and we hope she gives it a bit more thought. No regal animal should have to go through life named Chi-Chi-Cheetah.

Read more on lse.co.uk.

Jordan's dog dies in pool

Some sad news from across the Atlantic: Model Jordan (also known as Katie Price) lost a dog in an unfortunate accident.

As reported by The Sun, Jordan and husband Peter Andre called the police when Buster went missing, fearing it had been snatched. Days later, a neighbor returned home from a trip to find the dog had drowned after becoming trapped beneath a pool cover.

According to a spokesman, “They’re distraught — Buster meant a lot to them. They’d hoped he would turn up safe.” The pair bought Buster and brother Tyson when they were eight weeks old in January.

This is a sad reminder to all of us to keep our pets controlled, protected and safe!

You can read more at thesun.co.uk.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt guarded by lions

This is supposed to be a blog about stars and their pets, and I suppose ferocious, untamed lions don't exactly meet the definition of a "pet," but we're going to share this news item anyway:

A Namibian newspaper has reported that the most beautiful couple in the world, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, have taken refuge in a remote Namibian game lodge where wild lions will help protect them from the media. That's right, if some paparazzi or blogger tries to get close to Brangelina, the interlopers be a lion's Happy Meal.

The speculation is that Angelina will give birth to her child, due in mid-May, in the privacy and protection of the lodge.

So, if you're a nosy paparazzi who wishes to risk life and limb for a photo of Brad and Angelina's new baby, feel free to head to the harbor town of Walvisbay where you'll find them in a lodge in the Etosha National Game Park.

Read more on Reuters.com.

Salma Hayek picks up dog crap

Salma Hayek picks up after her dog, and she joins a long list of celebs who tell us this in order to convince you and I they're just like the rest of us. (See past quotes from Matthew Mcconaughey, Oprah, and Christopher McQuarrie.)

Salma says she hates "the Hollywood thing." "I don't live in Hollywood-land. I prefer cooking dinner or playing board games. I have a farm and I love it there. I have really good friends and family - that's my life." Of course, she went on to list those really good friends as including Renee Zellweger, Ashley Judd and George Clooney. (Aren't they on your party list, too?)

Proving she's human like you and I, Salma adds, "Every once in a while you get nominated for an Oscar and you go to a couple of parties for a month or two then you go back to cleaning the dog shit." Apparently her dog doesn't approve of Salma's celebrity lifestyle. She says her dogs get "pissed off because you went away to make a movie and now it's their time to punish you."

While we love most of Salma's work (particularly movies directed by Robert Rodriguez that don't include the words "Spy" and "Kids" in the title), we'd respectfully point out that she hasn't actually been nominated for an Oscar "once in a while." The talented actress has but one Academy Award nom to her name--for her 2002 starring role in Frida. We hope her future separations from her dogs are more Frida and Dogma and less Spy Kids and Wild Wild West; we'd like to see the lovely and talented Salma at the podium again soon.

To read more about Salma's quiet lifestyle away from Hollywood, visit Starpulse.com.

Tori Spelling's dog has own stylist

If Tori Spelling thought that by mocking her rep as a spoiled rich girl on VH1's NoTORIous she would help to dispel the rumors she is, in fact, a spoiled rich girl, then she needs to stop giving the media quotes like this.

Her prized pug, Mimi Larue, has "a designer that designs all her clothing. I don't even have that, but my dog does."

Now, don't get us wrong--we're all for doggies being chic and showing their own style. In fact, we love it. But a dog having her own designer?!? What if this trend continues? Will we have a red carpet at the Westminster Dog Show with reporters shoving mics into dog's faces and asking them which designer they're wearing? Will dogs be left red faced if they show up wearing the same outfit as another pooch?

Tori says Mimi even has her own closet and will run around in circles when Tori holds up a dress for her to wear.

Tori also wants us to know that wearing a dress doesn't make Mimi any less of a real dog. Starting a new celebrity catfight (or dogfight, as the case may be), Tori declares: "She could totally take Tinkerbell." Paris, you and your dog have officially been put on notice!

Read more about Mimi Larue and Tori on PRInside. And if you're interested in more pix of Tori, head to the Yahoo News Site.

Your pet can travel like Rin Tin Tin

Let's say you need to take your pet to Europe and you don't want him or her to fly in the hold of an airplane. What to do? Cross the Atlantic like Rin Tin Tin did--on a luxury cruise line!

Cunard, operator of the Queen Mary 2, has been taking care of pets since 1840, when three cats vacationed on the Britannia's maiden voyage. Since then, Cunard has welcomed animal guests including Rin Tin Tin and Tom Mix's horse, as well as circus elephants, canaries, monkeys, even a boa constrictor. The duke and duchess of Windsor's beloved pup even had a lamppost beside the kennels especially installed for it.

And when your pet cruises on the QM2, we're not just talking a cage in some dark corner of the ship. Oh no--they go first class: fresh-baked biscuits, a choice of beds, fleece blankets, toys and premium-brand food! A full-time kennel master oversees the program, taking charge of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels.

Depending on cruise length, it'll cost between $300 and $400 to take your pet along for the cruise, but just think of the stories your pet will have to tell when he or she comes home and hangs out with the other pets in the neighborhood:

Pet #1: "What did you do this Summer?"

Pet #2: "I got put in a kennel while my humans went on a two-week
trip to Europe. What did you do this summer?"

Pet #1: "I lounged on the Queen Mary 2 with a
personal assistant attending to my every need including fresh-baked treats,
daily walks on the deck, and daily rests in the fresh ocean air!"

You can read more about Cunard's pet services on Courant.com.

Bernadette Peters wants you to adopt a pet

Bernadette Peters, who has been a favorite of ours since Silent Movie and The Jerk--has it really been thirty years?!?--is crusading for the lives of abandoned pets. The Emmy and Tony Award winner was on ABC'S This Week on Sunday to mark the 140th birthday of the ASPCA and to remind viewers that many pets are in need and waiting for their adoption.

"They realize that you've saved them, and now they're there to maybe save you or connect with you," the actress said on ABC's This Week on Sunday. "They're very, very appreciative of being picked." And we agree with Bernadette when she says it's "sort of a sin" that animals are euthanized when no one will adopt them.

Bernadette is the human companion to pooch Kramer, and she continues to dedicate time to helping organizations that help pets.

Read more on Forbes.com.

Jessica Simpson's dog attacks

Hate to see this kind of news: Jessica Simpson's dog scratched her badly enough to require seven stitches!

Jessica was in Santa Fe filming a movie when Daisy, the Maltese poodle that Nick Lachey gave Jessica for her birthday, hit her above the eye. The accident happened while Jessica was horsing around with her pooch.

It seems all will be well. According to a source, "Jessica was in good spirits and more worried about how the scar might affect filming than anything else."

Read more on NYDailyNews.com. (Unfortunately, the article is on the bottom, so you'll need to scroll past a cringe-worthy article about Tom Cruise purchasing an adult pacifier for Katie Holmes so she won't make any noise during childbirth.)

Bailey Cruthird strolls with dog

Our blog sponsor, JustPetStrollers.com, was quite pleased to point out that a genuine celebrity was seen with a pet stroller.

Bailey Cruthird may not be a big star--yet--but she is a genuinely talented up-and-coming singer. Bailey also acts, and guest starred on an episode of Hope and Faith, which stars her younger sister, Macey. The Texas native, who is considered a rising star in country music, was photographed strolling with her dog in the Happy Trails Plus pet stroller.

You can learn more about Bailey and hear her music at bailey-music.com. And to learn more about Pet Strollers, please visit our blog sponsor: JustPetStrollers.com.

American Idol's Chris Daughtry: Bird Killer?

We hope this news item is an April Fool's joke, because American Idol's Chris Daughtry is one of our faves. (Rock on, man!)

According to TMZ.com, Chris isn't just rocking CBS Television City on Tuesday nights--he's also rocking the Idol house where the contestants stay (until they're eliminated and sent home in heartbreaking fashion.)

A neighbor of the Hancock Park AI home alleges that Chris' music is so loud and stressful that it killed her bird, Sweet Pea. Chris is reportedly quite distraught, but some of his fellow contestants joked that Chris should wear a t-shirt that says "R.I.P. Sweat Pea."

If I find out who joked about this, they're not going to get my vote, that's for sure!

Tune into Country Night tonight to find out how Chris will rock the house this evening, but please keep any sensitive pets away from the television.

Read more on TMZ.com.

Miss Beazley is one protected pooch

As you can see from this photo, the secret service take security for presidential pooch Miss Beazley very seriously.

This picture was taken today at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC as President Bush was returning from Cincinnati where he threw out the first pitch at a major league baseball game. (There is no mention as to whether Miss Beazley leaped out of the stands to chase the ball the President had thrown.)

You can see more pix of the President with his dogs, along with many other fine pictures of pooches on the Yahoo News site.

Celebrity Dog Gallery

I found a wonderful gallery of pix of celebs with their pets. The 35 shots include the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Charlotte Church, Britney Spears, Portia De Rossi, Tory Spelling, Geri Halliwell, Jenny McCarthy, Jessica Simpson, Mickey Rourke, and (of course) Paris Hilton. (What gallery of pet-loving celebs would be complete without Paris?) (And what's Mickey doing in that list? We love his comeback, but he still seems like the odd man out in that list of celebs!)

Check out the gallery on Sky.com.

Elizabeth Hurley states the obvious

Obviously Elizabeth Hurley thinks she is stating something ironic and insightful, but all I could think is "Well, duh!"

Ohio.com quotes Liz as saying, "I'd rather know the name of a celebrity's dog than his solution to the world food problem."

Isn't that a bit like saying the sky is blue? Or am I just biased because I'm a pet lover?